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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Ocean Unit Activities, a Freebie, and a Giveaway!

My first graders have really been enjoying our under the sea adventures! There's so much to learn and so many exciting activities to do. What I love most about this topic is that the children can learn so much on their own, by reading nonfiction books and articles. I paired them up and gave each pair a nonfiction dolphin or shark book and they filled out their own tree maps.

Then, I transferred all their information to a giant sized tree map that I hung in a pocket chart. (This activity is part of my Dolphins and Sharks Activity Pack. You can click the picture for more information.)

We also completed a 3-2-1 Nonfiction Reading Strategy Graphic Organizer. First, I modeled how to complete the graphic organizer. Then, the children completed one at a station. Being able to read informational texts effectively is a fundamental quality of successful readers. After reading nonfiction books or articles, this graphic organizer helps the children summarize what they have learned. You can click either image to get a copy for yourself. If you download it, please leave me some feedback at my store. Thanks so very much!

Here is a picture of one of my ocean display tables (before the children had at it!) It doesn't stay so neat looking for very long!

It's so important for students to be able to manaage all of the information in informational texts. I love the activities that you had them do- the tree maps and 3-2-1 reading strategy! LoriConversations in Literacy

Thanks for the freebie. I had grabbed it when you first posted it.(I am hopping over from Classroom Freebies Manic Mondays :)) I think it is adorable with the cute graphics at the top. I love the ocean theme and the display tables. Great ideas :)